2. Talk to Your Doctor or a Mental Health Professional
If you think you have depression, the next step is to talk with your primary care doctor or seek help from a mental health professional like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed therapist, says Pablo Sanchez-Barranco, MD, the associate director of psychiatry at Northwell Health Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, New York.
“Depression in older adults shouldn’t be seen as an unavoidable part of aging, but instead as a treatable condition,” says Dr. Sanchez-Barranco. “It requires a thorough and systematic assessment for diagnosis, and treatment that centers on improving quality of life and overall function.”
There are several treatment options for depression. “Psychotherapy is an effective treatment option for mild to moderate depression, offering additional benefits when combined with medication for more severe presentations,” he says.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy A type of therapy that helps people learn to identify problematic thinking or behavioral patterns and replace them with more constructive ones.
- Interpersonal Therapy A form of therapy that focuses on a person’s relationships with others and ways to improve their interactions with others.
- Problem-Solving Therapy A type of therapy that helps people find strategies to solve problems and cope with challenges in their lives.
- Behavioral Activation A form of therapy in which people connect with and participate in activities that they find rewarding as a way of coping with mental health challenges.
3. Ask Your Doctor to Review Your Prescriptions
Depression treatment in older adults can be complicated by other medical conditions, particularly because those issues are usually treated with multiple types of prescription medications, says Sanchez-Barranco.
“A thorough medication review that includes over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal or synthetic supplements, along with alcohol, cannabis, and other substances of abuse is warranted,” he says.
“A particular concern when treating older depressed adults with medication is the potential for prescribing cascade,” he says. “The term describes a scenario in which a patient’s complaint, which may result from a medication side effect, is mistakenly attributed to new or worsening medical symptoms, leading to new prescriptions.”
This pattern of medication use may lead to an increasingly complex medication regimen, further aggravating medication-related problems. Because of this, it’s essential to review prescriptions and supplements at every doctor visit, he says.
4. Build and Maintain Social Connections
- Call family or friends regularly.
- Meet friends or family at a restaurant for a meal.
- Find a retiree group or another group you can do activities with.
- Join a group dedicated to a hobby you enjoy, such as hiking or knitting.
- Play card games or board games with others.
5. Get Regular Physical Activity
“Movement is an underrated tool when it comes to managing depression as you age,” says Dr. Glowiak.
- Better sleep quality
- Lowered risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
- Reduced anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
- Decreased dementia and Alzheimer’s risk
- Improved balance and overall mobility
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Better bone strength
- Decreased cancer risk
How much exercise can help? “The goal doesn’t have to be running marathons,” says Glowiak. “Rather, a daily walk, gardening, or any form of regular physical activity can improve mood while reinforcing a sense of capability and independence. A single step at a time is still a step forward.”
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